Wingfoiling in the Caribbean: The Best Spots and Where to Take Lessons
Wingfoiling is a relatively new water sport that has rapidly gained popularity in recent years, including on the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. It combines elements of windsurfing, kitesurfing, and foiling. In wingfoiling, you stand on a foilboard (with a hydrofoil underneath) and use an inflatable wing to harness the wind’s power. The calm, steady trade winds and the stunning scenery of the islands make this sport particularly appealing. Let’s take a look at the wingfoiling opportunities on these three islands.
Wingfoiling in Aruba
Aruba is well-known for its strong, steady winds, especially on the east side of the island, which is perfect for wingfoiling. Fisherman’s Huts, located on the west coast, offers calmer waters and is ideal for beginners. Here, people new to wingfoiling can practice in relatively flat water with stable winds. For those with more experience, Boca Grandi, located on the east coast, is a great choice. The stronger winds and rougher conditions make it an exciting spot for more advanced wingfoilers.
Lessons and rentals: Several surf schools on Aruba now offer wingfoil lessons, including Vela Aruba. They provide lessons for beginners as well as equipment rentals for advanced riders who prefer not to bring their own gear.
Wingfoiling in Bonaire
Bonaire has long been known as a top destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing, but it’s also becoming increasingly popular among wingfoilers. Lac Bay, located on the east side of Bonaire and a world-famous windsurfing spot, is also ideal for wingfoiling thanks to its flat waters and consistent winds. Beginners can practice safely here, while advanced wingfoilers can take advantage of the wind in the bay to build speed and experiment with new tricks.
Lessons and rentals: On Bonaire, several water sports centers now offer wingfoil lessons. Schools like Bonaire Kiteschool have expanded their services to accommodate the growing number of wingfoilers. The calm, flat conditions make it an ideal place for beginners to learn.
Wingfoiling in Curaçao
In Curaçao, Sint Joris Bay is the most popular spot for both kitesurfing and wingfoiling. This bay, located on the eastern side of the island, offers ideal conditions for wingfoiling with flat water and stable winds. It’s a safe and spacious area where both beginners and advanced riders can enjoy the sport. Another advantage of this location is that it’s often less crowded, giving you plenty of space to practice.
For experienced wingfoilers looking for a more challenging location, Klein Curaçao is worth considering. This remote island offers strong winds and waves, making it perfect for experienced foilers seeking adventure.
Lessons and rentals: Although wingfoiling is relatively new to Curaçao, some kite schools are already offering lessons, especially at the popular Sint Joris Bay. Local instructors help beginners grasp the basics and teach advanced riders how to refine their skills.
Conclusion
Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao all offer excellent conditions for wingfoiling, with their steady winds and diverse water conditions. Aruba and Bonaire are perfect for beginners with their calm, flat waters, while Curaçao provides more challenging spots for advanced riders. Each island is seeing a growing number of lessons and equipment rental options, making wingfoiling increasingly accessible for both locals and tourists.